Ohio Wesleyan offered its first course in political science in 1845, three years after the University was founded, and established its Department of Politics and Government in 1917. Since then, the department has emphasized the practice of politics, paying close attention to the actual workings of today’s political institutions.
Graduates of the department are working in a wide range of federal, state, and local government positions; with international organizations; as attorneys; with special interest groups on a national scale; in education; and more.
You’ll study the structure and policies of governments, the concepts upon which governments are founded, and the actions of citizens in the United States and around the world. Among the required courses, you’ll select at least one from each of five areas: American public affairs; political behavior; international affairs; comparative politics and government; and political theory.
Law schools don’t require one specific major. Instead, they seek evidence of a rich, liberal arts education. They expect you to have strong skills in three major areas: comprehension and expression in words; critical understanding of the human institutions and values with which the law deals; and creative power in thinking. Ohio Wesleyan helps prepare you in all of these areas.
The Pre-Public Administration major is no longer accepting new students.
You’ll learn to better understand and participate in our increasingly complex global society. Based on your interests, you’ll be able to concentrate on general international studies or particular areas of the world. For an international studies major, you’ll need some proficiency in a foreign language, and you’re strongly encouraged to spend a semester studying or interning abroad.
Complete five courses in the department consisting of either PG 110 or PG 111, but not both, and one course from four of these five areas: American public affairs, political behavior, international affairs, comparative politics and government, and political theory. One of these four must be in the area of political theory. You may take Conduct of Political Inquiry, PG 279, to fulfill the political behavior area to earn your minor.
Three units are specified: ECON370 or ECON 372; PG360; HIST380 or PG361. Three elective units are chosen, one unit each from three of the following four areas: AREA 1 - ECON353, ECON357, ECON370 or ECON 372 (if ECON 370 taken as core); AREA 2 - History courses HIST 320, 323, 324, 325, 331, 332, 333, 352, 354, 356, 357, 360, 362, 377, 378, 381; AREA 3, PG courses 364, 344, 346, 348, 349, 361, 362, 365; AREA 4 - SOAN courses 291, 292, 293, 294, 347, 354, 360, 367, Geography courses GEOG 330, 333, 334, 345, 370, 400.1.
NOTE: One unit beyond the level of 111 is required in world languages & cultures. Students' courses should be complementary and approved in advance by the INTS Committee.
Professor Franklin serves as department chair. He is pursuing a research project examining the causes and consequences of democratic revolutions around the world.
Professor Esler is director of the Arneson Institute for Practical Politics & Public Affairs, advisor of the Pre-Law Studies program, co-advisor for the Pre-Law Club, and coach of the Moot Court team.
Professor Nestor's research interests focus on public opinion and racial and ethnic representation.
Professor Biser says, “I have a deep-seated belief that people should get to make decisions—good decisions—about their lives in the most democratic way possible.” Her research centers on contemporary political theory, focusing on the works of Hannah Arendt and Martin Heidegger.
Professor Mack's research focuses on the political behavior of racial and ethnic minorities, particularly how one’s identity influences their political attitudes.
Ohio Wesleyan students nominate a ticket for president and vice president and set the party platform during OWU’s Mock Convention, held every four years. The convention is an Ohio Wesleyan tradition that dates back to 1884. In 2020 OWU nominated Elizabeth Warren for president and Stacey Abrams for vice president. In this photo, Dylan Hays submits the nominating form for Warren.
The Politics & Government Department is housed in Elliott Hall. Built in 1833, it is the original home of Ohio Wesleyan University.
The Wesleyan in Washington Program is an intensive, full-time internship experience. The program matches you with internship placements that precisely reflect your interests and professional goals. Tom Dolan '18, above, interned with Colorado Senator Cory Gardner and then was hired as a staff assistant in the Senate.